View all Press releases

Arianespace to launch Intelsat-20

Leading international satellite operator Intelsat has chosen Arianespace to launch its Intelsat-20 satellite.

Arianespace announced today that it has been chosen by Intelsat to launch the Intelsat-20 satellite during the second quarter of 2012.

Weighing 5,800 kg. at liftoff, Intelsat-20 will be boosted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 ECA from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Intelsat-20 will be built by Space Systems/Loral and will provide at least 15 years of in-orbit service. Positioned at 68.5 degrees East, this high-power satellite will deliver a wide range of telecommunications, video, voice and data transmission services, enabling Intelsat to expand its global coverage in the C and Ku bands. It will replace the Intelsat-7 and Intelsat-10 satellites.

“We are especially proud of being able to serve the world’s leading international satellite operator and we would like to thank Intelsat for choosing us,” said Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall. “We are delighted to continue this long-standing partnership which kicked off nearly 30 years ago.”

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading launch Service & Solutions company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 24 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled family of launchers, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 01 July 2010, Arianespace had launched a total of 281 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of 23 Ariane 5 and 17 Soyuz launches, equal to more than three years of business.